Pacho Flores DAZZLES in Tucson

ONE:
this is a brilliant program. Two brass concerti, featuring
Venezuelan super-virtuoso Pacho Flores, and two popular Aaron
Copeland works, were bookended by sublime overtures by Mozart and
Bernstein. ONE-A: a surprising common musical thread weaves its way
through Mozart's Overture
to 'The Abduction from the Seraglio', the 'Concerto for Corno da
Caccia', by J.B.G. Neruda (a contemporary of Bach and Mozart), and
the first movement of the new Arturo Márquez 'Concerto for
Trumpet' – a sustained, repeated melodic syncopation. The TSO
Music Director, José Luis Gomez, is a sly one!

TWO: this performance by Pacho Flores was a soulful and energetic gift to this audience. His tone, articulations, and musicality are masterly,
while his virtuosity is both easy and mesmerizing. TWO-A: the
Marquéz Concerto, written specifically for Pacho, covers a vast
array of styles, and utilizes a different type of "corno" instrument for each movement. The finale, a virtuosic masterpiece, was given a
BLISTERING, ear-opening performance by Pacho Flores – worth the price of
admission alone. Even the (infamously sleepy) Tucson classical concert
crowd was wowed to ovation. TWO-B: Señor Flores has a decidedly humorous
side to his stage presence. To whit: solo brass performances always
contain the necessary act of emptying the spit valves on the
instrument. In the Neruda concerto, Pablo, large in physical stature, went through this routine
with his miniature horn, emptying one valve, then holding the
instrument above head level, to blow the saliva out of the second
valve. Every player must engage in this chore, yet repeatedly executed, directly
in front of the audience under spotlight, almost became a comic
relief act during the beautifully and generously performed concerto. When, at the the end of the Marquéz
concerto, and again after the accompanied encore, Pacho tooted a
spoiler note towards his comrade in arms, José Luis, the complete
picture of his honest, open, and lovable joviality was complete. Great
musicianship and fun showmanship all around! As composer Marquéz, who
was here for this premier, came to the stage, a heart-warming,
congratulatory celebration ensued between these three latin musical stars.
What a treat for both the audience the orchestra!

The
second half opened -- accompanied by the orchestra playing Copeland's familiar 'Our Town'
-- with a splendid photographic presentation, projected above the Music Hall stage, of the history of the TSO, now in its 90th
year, and other events and places in this city's storied cultural history. A very moving experience for everyone in attendance. The
second half feature, the ever-popular 'Four Selections From Rodeo' by
Copeland, and especially Bernstein's virtuoso circus for orchestra,
A.K.A. 'The Overture to Candide', were given, on this night, top notch execution and interpretation. These closing pieces, again, as we have come to expect, showed off the beautiful
marriage of this orchestra and its Music Director. This is a fine,
fun, and talented ensemble, whose love for its conductor is expressed in
how well they respond to his exuberant, expressive direction. It is obvious,
watching and listening, that this immense positive energy overflows in
both directions. This longish program, was yet satisfying every
joyful step of the way. Bravi, tutti!

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